This has been a broken season. A season I never thought I would walk through. Pondering what to write when you are so humbled and grown in ways you don’t see coming. Have I handled this season well? Absolutely not. There have been things I’ve said and done I would take back. But the one thing I’ve come to understand is we are so worthy of being chosen and valued as human beings. We all deserve to know the love of a Savior who choses us. We deserve to be chosen in our relationships too. My hope in this divorce season is to do it with such joy people wonder where this hope comes from.
Gladness from the Ashes
A constant verse on my mind during this time is Isaiah 61:3. Isaiah 61:3 ESV “to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.” This promise from the Lord to Israel represents what is coming not only for this nation, but for people who have walked a difficult time. When we rest in Him and allow Him to begin to heal and restore the things taken from us, whether it’s a marriage, a child, or our health, we will see beauty instead of ashes.
The prayers from friends have helped bring about beauty from ashes. So many are praying that God sows His truth deep within my heart and builds a tall hedge of protection around it, so I cannot be shaken away from the truth of my worthiness and value! We are to hold tightly to joy and praise despite the circumstances.
No More Sorrow
This has been a sorrowful season for many. Covid, job loss, relationships, politics, and racial tension just to name a few. But there is so much hope and joy too. With so much change, brings about a hope for a new future. Friends and I are continuing to pray for abundance and joy to overflow through every life He draws near in this season.
Our restored future hope lets us know there will be no more sorrow, crying or pain. What a joyful future we have! Revelation 21:4 “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
Joy Abounds
“Joy is in the process and strength is the outcome! And because it’s God’s true nature, there is a place of His joy in us that is constant, regardless of circumstances.” Graham Cooke
Our greatest point of spiritual impact will be birthed out of our time of trouble. This season makes me think of the song, “The Story I’ll Tell” sung by the amazing Naomi Raine. The birthing of joy out of this season is taking place right now. I’m expectant as it continues into next year much beauty will come from the ashes.
My hope is to keep a smile on my face and walk this desert season in such a way it isn’t a wilderness, but being so tied to the vine, joy is abundant. As my sweet friend Tina says, ‘my friend once He gets you safely to the other side, oh the story you’ll tell!’
